Commercial vehicle accidents are a significant concern on our roads and make up a significant percentage of fatalities. They involve vehicles such as trucks, buses, and vans for business purposes.
These accidents can have severe consequences. They can lead to traffic disruptions, economic losses, and serious injury.
Truck accident lawyer Greg Baumgartner covers the common types of commercial vehicle accidents. We’ll explore truck accidents, bus crashes, and other scenarios involving commercial vehicles.
We’ll also look at the causes and implications of these accidents. The aim is to provide comprehensive information about accidents with commercial vehicles and why they happen.
Commercial vehicle accidents are not just regular traffic incidents. They involve vehicles larger and heavier than most other vehicles on the road. This size and weight difference often results in more severe accidents.
These accidents can occur in various scenarios. They can happen on highways, in city traffic, or in rural areas. The type of accident often depends on the specific circumstances and the type of commercial vehicle involved.
For instance, a semi-truck may jackknife on a slippery highway. A delivery van might be involved in a rear-end collision in city traffic. Due to high winds, a school bus could roll over on a rural road.
Commercial vehicle accidents can involve federal regulations if the driver is required to have a commercial driver’s license.
Commercial vehicle accidents have a significant impact on society. They cause traffic disruptions, property damage, injuries, and fatalities. The economic cost of these large truck accidents is also substantial.
In 2023, 5,375 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents. This includes any medium or heavy truck (excluding buses and motor homes), with a gross vehicle weight rating above 10,000 pounds. Large trucks accounted for about 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes.
They affect families, communities, and the economy. The cost of medical care, property damage, lost productivity, and other related expenses can be staggering.
These statistics underscore the importance of addressing commercial vehicle accidents. They highlight the need for effective safety measures and regulations.
Commercial vehicle accidents can occur in various ways. The type of accident often depends on factors such as vehicle type, road conditions, and driver behavior.
Rear-end crashes happen when a vehicle hits the one in front of it. Due to their size and weight, commercial vehicles can cause severe damage in these situations.
Rear-end collisions involving commercial vehicles can be particularly destructive. The size and weight of these vehicles can cause significant damage to smaller vehicles. In many cases, these accidents result in serious injuries or fatalities.
These collisions often occur due to tailgating or sudden braking. Commercial vehicles require more distance to stop compared to smaller vehicles. If the vehicle in front stops suddenly, the commercial vehicle may not have enough time or space to avoid a collision.
Driver distraction, fatigue, or impairment can also contribute to rear-end collisions. Regular vehicle maintenance and driver training can help prevent these accidents.
These occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into each other. With commercial vehicles, the impact can be devastating.
Head-on collisions involving commercial vehicles are often catastrophic. The combined force of two vehicles moving towards each other can result in severe damage and injuries. In many cases, these accidents are fatal.
These collisions often occur when a vehicle crosses the center line or median. This can happen due to driver distraction, fatigue, impairment, or reckless driving. Poor road conditions or visibility can also contribute to these accidents.
Preventive measures include driver training, regular vehicle maintenance, and safety technologies like lane departure warning systems.
They are common in commercial vehicle accidents. These happen when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. Factors like a high center of gravity make commercial vehicles prone to rollovers, especially trucks and buses.
Rollovers are a common type of commercial vehicle accident. Trucks and buses, with their high center of gravity, are particularly prone to these accidents. Rollovers can result in severe damage and injuries.
These accidents often occur due to sharp turns, high speed, or uneven road surfaces. Improper loading can also contribute to rollovers. An unbalanced load can make a vehicle unstable, increasing the risk of a rollover.
Preventive measures include proper loading, driver training, and safety technologies like electronic stability control systems.
They are specific to articulated vehicles like semi-trucks. A Jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. It’s named after the folding motion of a jackknife.
Jackknife accidents are specific to articulated vehicles like semi-trucks. These accidents occur when the trailer swings out and forms a 90-degree angle with the cab. This can result in severe damage and block multiple lanes of traffic.
These accidents occur due to sudden braking, high speed, or slippery road conditions. Improper loading can also contribute to jackknife accidents. An unbalanced load can make the trailer unstable, increasing the risk of a jackknife.
Preventive measures include proper loading, regular vehicle maintenance, driver training, and safety technologies like anti-lock braking systems.
Side-impact T-bone or broadside collisions can be particularly dangerous for commercial vehicles. The sides of these vehicles often have less protection than the front and rear. This can result in severe damage and injuries.
These collisions often occur at intersections. A vehicle may hit the side of a commercial vehicle if it runs a red light or fails to yield. Driver distraction, impairment, or reckless driving can also contribute to these accidents.
Preventive measures include driver training, regular vehicle maintenance, and safety technologies like blind spot detection systems.
A variety of factors can cause commercial vehicle accidents. These range from driver behavior to mechanical issues. Here are some common causes that truck accident attorneys in Texas see frequently:
Driver fatigue is a significant cause of commercial vehicle accidents. Long hours on the road can lead to tiredness and decreased alertness. This can impair a driver’s ability to react to road conditions or unexpected events.
Regular breaks, adequate sleep, and proper scheduling can help prevent driver fatigue. It’s also important for drivers to recognize the signs of fatigue and take appropriate action.
Speeding and aggressive driving are common causes of commercial vehicle accidents. These behaviors can lead to losing control or insufficient time to react to road conditions. They can also intimidate or confuse other road users, increasing the risk of accidents.
Driver training, enforcement of speed limits, and the use of speed limiters can help prevent these behaviors. It’s also important for drivers to understand the dangers of speeding and aggressive driving.
Distracted driving is a major cause of commercial vehicle accidents. This can include using a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving. These distractions can take a driver’s attention away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
Driver training, enforcement of distracted driving laws, and the use of hands-free devices can help prevent distracted driving. It’s also important for drivers to understand the dangers of distracted driving.
Mechanical failures can cause commercial vehicle accidents. These can include brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering issues. These failures can lead to loss of control, increasing the risk of accidents.
Regular vehicle maintenance and inspections can help prevent mechanical failures. It’s also important for drivers to understand the signs of potential mechanical issues and take appropriate action.
Improper loading and overloading can cause commercial vehicle accidents. An unbalanced or overweight load can make a vehicle unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers or jackknife accidents.
Proper loading practices, enforcement of weight limits, and load-balancing tools can help prevent these issues. It’s also important for drivers to understand the dangers of improper loading and overloading.
Commercial vehicle accidents often involve legal and insurance considerations. These can be complex due to the nature of commercial vehicle operations.
Legally, commercial vehicle operators are held to higher standards than regular drivers. They must comply with federal and state regulations. These cover areas such as driver qualifications, hours of service, logbook requirements, and vehicle maintenance.
Insurance considerations are also important. Commercial vehicles typically require specialized insurance policies. These policies must cover potential damages and injuries resulting from accidents.
In the event of an accident, determining liability can be complex. It may involve the driver, the vehicle owner, the company operating the vehicle, or the manufacturer. Experienced commercial vehicle attorneys can evaluate your case.
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Our truck accident lawyers have been helping victims of commercial accidents for more than 40 years and have an unblemished record in these cases. Contact us for a free case evaluation to see how we can help you and learn about your rights, options, and the next steps.
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